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Progress Industries rated in Top 100 mid-size Iowa companies

By BOB ESCHLIMAN NDN Editor

Oct. 4, 2012

October was already a big month for Progress Industries in Newton.

In the midst of celebrating both Diversity Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, it now has something else to celebrate: a 2012 Top 100 Workplace ranking by the Des Moines Register. Progress Industries came in 27th in the mid-size nonprofit rankings.

“This recognition demonstrates the level of dedication and passion for people shared by our employees at Progress Industries,” stated Dan Skokan, President and CEO. This coupled with teamwork and a commitment to achieve personal and professional excellence directly impacts the lives of those we serve with disabilities to realize their individual goals.”

Progress Industries was established in 1979 in Newton, and expanded its services into the Des Moines market in 1991. Today, it provides residential, vocational and day habilitation services for approximately 300 children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities throughout central Iowa.

Communications director Melissa Butler said Progress Industries employs 250 full- and part-time employees. Its mission is to “teach and support people with disabilities to live more independent lives.”

The Register’s rankings were based upon feedback from an employee survey completed on such indicators as leadership and planning, corporate culture, career opportunities, workplace flexibility, compensation and benefits.

Additionally, Progress Industries has successfully placed 25 people with disabilities into community-based employment so far this year.

“We are continuing to work with Newton businesses to fill their labor shortage,” Butler said. “It seems that Progress Industries has become a resource for many companies when seeking skilled, dedicated and eager employees.”

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